Roosting of Crows News Release - City of Amsterdam

February 18, 2020

At therequest of the City of Amsterdam, Wildlife Biologists with the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, WildlifeServices will be conducting a non-lethal wildlife damage management project todisperse the winter roost of approximately 18,000 crows.

Theprogram is scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 18thand will conclude Friday, February 21st. Control methods will be employed fromapproximately 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM each evening.

Thenon-lethal harassment methods used to disperse crows will include pyrotechnics,spotlights, non-harmful lasers, and amplified, recorded crow distress calls.Several of these methods produce loud noises and flashing lights, (similar tosirens and fireworks) that frighten birds and may be heard or observed by localresidents. Biologists will be wearing uniforms and a yellow vests marked “USDAWildlife Services.”

Toreduce the possibility of crow damage, residents are strongly encouraged toplace household trash in containers with lids to discourage crows from feeding.Residents may also use bright flashlights to disperse crows roosting in trees.

If you have any questions, please contact Wildlife Servicesat (518) 268-2284.